Wine is one of the most important culinary elements in the history of mankind: no wonder the world is full of misconceptions, incorrect assumptions and unclear information about its characteristics and ways to serve it. The forced and compulsory dualism red wine-meat, as well as its opposite white wine-fish, is perhaps the most common one. 

This reasonable general rule works in most cases and is a good starting point for people to understand the optimal pairings for each and every wine. 

As any general rule, however, it also presents its exceptions, and is one that we can learn to explore and question with the right guidance. Here at Carpineto we love to celebrate the precious products of our land, as well as trying to educate our kind readers and discover together the many options these bottles have to offer. 

What a better period to do so if not around Christmas time? In many parts of the world, the Christmas celebrations are accompanied by delicious recipes featuring lean meats, poultry and, of course, a good bottle of wine. These recipes, such as the classic Stuffed Turkey, but also many others featuring duck or rabbit, are very popular in Europe and Northern America. 

Let’s take as an example our exceptional Farnito Chardonnay IGT 2022: 

Produced with Chardonnay grapes grown on our estate in Chianciano/Montepulciano at an altitude of 300 metres above sea level. The carefully selected bunches are usually harvested between the last week of August and the first week of September and then quickly transported to the winery in small crates to protect them from the slightest damage before vinification. 

Vinification takes place at a low temperature on the skins, with slow and careful fermentation of the must initiated by selected yeasts. Particular attention is paid to keeping the yeasts and all the solids formed during fermentation in suspension by regularly stirring the must.

In winter, the wine is racked and placed in barrels where it ages briefly before bottling.

Before being sold, this wine is then aged in bottles in our cellars at a controlled temperature of 13 °C (55 °F).

Harmonious and persistent with notes of tropical fruit and spices, with hints of citrus and vanilla, it has a serving temperature of 50-59°F.

We can argue that Stuffed Turkey is the most common Christmas dish especially in the USA and Canada, so why should you try Farnito Chardonnay with it? Turkey is a rather delicate and light white meat, certainly not rich or fatty. The stuffing enriches the dish, with various interpretations including garlic, onions, cheese, pepper, nutmeg, parsley, bread, all accompanied by gravy or cranberry sauce. Each family chooses the ingredients to prepare it with, depending on their tastes and preferences. 

In any case, stuffed turkey, as a whole, is a dish rich in flavors and aromas, without excessive fat, especially in the meat, and of medium texture: that’s why Farnito Chardonnay IGT 2022 can be just perfect for it. 

Its balanced acidity and savory notes enhance dishes that are not too complex or heavy, bringing out the aromatic character of the herbs. In this way, the wine not only accompanies the meat without overpowering it, but creates a harmonious interplay between its liveliness and the tenderness of white meats, making for a pleasant and balanced pairing.

If you feel a little bit more adventurous this Christmas, let’s explore something different instead. Taking into consideration some Italian recipes that could be less famous outside of our beloved nation, why not try Vitello Tonnato this time? Vitello Tonnato is a very versatile dish that pairs well with many different styles and varieties of wine. Typical of the Piedmontese tradition, it is usually served cold and enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. In addition to the marinade, the distinctive feature of this veal-based recipe is the sauce, made with tuna, anchovies, sometimes mayonnaise, vinegar, and capers. The result is a dish with a delicate yet savory flavor. 

A structured and fresh white wine just like Farnito Chardonnay can be the right accompaniment to try this delicacy during the next holidays. 

So what do you think? Will you try this dish anytime soon? Farnito Chardonnay will be your best ally this Christmas: try it with your favourite recipes, and rediscover the versatility of white wine contrary to popular belief.